Franklin Outing Club receives grant for Veterans Memorial Area

Monday

Nov 29, 2010 at 3:15 AM

Staff Report

With a $7,500 grant from the Franklin Savings Bank Fund for Community Advancement, the Franklin Outing Club is now much closer to their capital improvement campaign goal. The grant money will assist the continuation of various capital improvement projects which began in 2009 at the Veterans Memorial Recreation Area for skiing and snowboarding.

The advanced age of lift equipment and machinery, combined with sizable increases in the cost of insurance has made the survival of the Veterans Memorial ski area a critical concern. "The existence of the VMRA is a boon to the City of Franklin that very few other communities can claim. In a society where children are not getting enough outdoor exercise, and in the State of New Hampshire where skiing is the official sport, it is more important than ever to keep this resource as a viable part of the Franklin community. That's why in addition to volunteers, donations and other help we have received, we are thankful to receive funding from Franklin Savings Bank in support of our efforts," says Outing Club President Tamara Colpack.

"We are pleased to be a part of this project, which is so valuable to the area community and is being successfully achieved through the efforts of so many individuals and families," said Franklin Savings Bank President and CEO, Jeff Savage.

Outing Club Treasurer Kathy Fuller commented, "The Franklin Outing Club recognizes Franklin Savings Bank as the largest contributor with a total of $21,100 provided in funding for our projects. Without their support, our goal would not this close to being met." The Franklin Outing Club has raised a total of $90,436 of their $100,000 goal.

Offering reasonably priced skiing since 1961, the Veterans Memorial Area has served visitors from communities throughout the Lakes Region and beyond. Thanks to the Franklin Outing Club in partnership with other volunteers, visitors can also enjoy free lessons, Winter Carnival events and more. Anyone looking to get involved with Outing Club and recreation area can visit franklinskiarea.com for more information.

The Franklin Savings Bank Fund for Community Advancement grant was formed in 1997 to provide support for substantial projects that enhance the lives of people in the communities that make up the primary market area of the Bank.

The Fund has awarded over $628,000 to local organizations since its inception. Applications for the upcoming grant period are due by 2 p.m. on December 31st.

For more information on how to apply for a grant award, call Dorothy J. Savery at (603) 934-8316 or visit Franklin Savings Bank's web site at www.fsbnh.com. Connect with them at facebook.com/franklinsavingsbank for their latest news and community updates.